Development Administration in Africa: A Critical Analysis of the Predicament of Lack of Visionary Leadership

Abstract

This paper examines the nature of development administration in selected African countries. It also explores how leaders in some African nations do not focus on enhancing the capabilities of their administrative system, economic development, socio-cultural diversity, infrastructural, and political willingness to accomplish development administration. The paper argues that a nation that allows only a small segment of its leaders or citizens to write development policies or laws will not accomplish sustainable development. Development administration goals cannot be accomplished without an inclusive political leadership approach because the reciprocity of interaction and steward leadership are important traits of development administration. The predicament of poor leadership has not only negatively affected the dynamics of development administration, but it has also prevented the implementation of the principles of the greatest good for the greatest number. There is no doubt that participation at both national and grassroot levels must involve the collaboration of ethical experts that could genuinely serve as change agents. This paper uses quantitative and qualitative research methods to analyze the problem of development administration in selected African countries. The conceptual framework is based on the frustration-aggression theory, shared governance, visionary leadership, and strategic doing concept. The findings reveal that there is a negative correlation between authoritarian leadership and economic growth in Africa. Thus, many African countries must adopt an empowering ideology that exhibits egalitarian principles. In addition, there is a positive relationship between African nations that grow and consume their local products and development administration. The paper recommends that African nations should establish capacity building initiatives to help its people move from consumer-oriented to production-orientated nations. There is no doubt that self-reliance, participatory sustainable development, shared governance, and inclusive democracy would transform African countries into more developed countries within the next 25 years.